Governor’s Office Warns ‘Catastrophic Tanker Failure Could Cause Explosion’
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered an “urgent evacuation” Sunday evening of those living within 1 mile of the train derailment here.
Here is the full text of the notice jointly issued by the governor’s office and Columbiana County officials:
“Following an evening briefing regarding the train derailment in East Palestine, Governor DeWine and Columbiana County officials are issuing an urgent warning to those living within a mile of the derailment. Within the last two hours, a drastic temperature change has taken place in a rail car, and there is now the potential of a catastrophic tanker failure which could cause an explosion with the potential of deadly shrapnel traveling up to a mile.
“Although teams are working to prevent an explosion from happening, residents living within a mile of the site are advised to immediately leave the area. While most individuals in the one-mile radius have already evacuated, local officials say that more than 500 people have declined to leave their homes.
“Those who have the means to leave are advised to immediately evacuate. Those who need help evacuating the area should call 330-426-4341. According to the Columbiana County Sheriff, those with children in their homes who decline to evacuate may be subject to arrest.
“At approximately 8 p.m., Gov. DeWine activated the Ohio National Guard to deploy to the scene to assist local authorities. The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, and Ohio EPA are also assisting.
Image: In this photo provided by Melissa Smith, a train fire is seen from her farm in East Palestine Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. (Melissa Smith via AP)
AP Coverage:
Safety Board: Mechanical Failure Caused East Palestine Wreck
Evacuation Order Remains in Effect as Train Wreck Smolders
NTSB on Scene of 50-Car Train Derailment in East Palestine
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
‘We’re scared for our kids, our house, everything’: A Village reels after train derailment fire
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
